Olubukola Ayodele: The role of a mentor is both privilege and a responsibility

Olubukola Ayodele posted on LinkedIn:

“As doctors, we all remember those pivotal moments during our training—times when the guidance of a mentor either inspired us to reach new heights or, conversely, left us feeling adrift. In the UK, trainee doctors rotate every six months, beginning in February and August. This period is one of intense learning and adaptation, as trainees are assigned both a clinical supervisor and an educational supervisor. The experience during these rotations can profoundly shape a trainee’s professional journey and future in medicine. As leaders, it is crucial that we recognize the significant impact we have on our junior colleagues and strive to be the kind of mentors who make a lasting, positive difference.

Recently, I received an email from a medical oncology specialist registrar that moved me deeply. This trainee expressed heartfelt gratitude for the guidance and support I had provided, highlighting how their time with me had been invaluable. Reading their words filled me with pride and purpose, serving as a powerful reminder of the impact that mentorship can have. It reinforced the importance of our role as mentors and the responsibility we have to our junior colleagues. While the journey to becoming an effective leader and mentor is not without its challenges, it is one of the most rewarding aspects of our profession.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I have been fortunate to have had exceptional mentors who shaped my career in ways I could never have imagined. They taught me that mentorship is not just about imparting clinical knowledge but about investing in the growth of another human being. However, not all my experiences were positive. I have also encountered seniors with whom I hope never to work again. These difficult encounters taught me the profound impact that negativity, indifference, or lack of support can have on a trainee’s confidence, motivation, and overall well-being.

As leaders, we must engage with our trainees at their level, understanding their needs and aspirations. It’s not enough to oversee their work or provide occasional feedback. We must be actively involved in their development, offering guidance, encouragement, and constructive criticism. Transformative leadership is about more than just imparting knowledge; it’s about inspiring and motivating the next generation to reach their full potential!

The role of a mentor is both a privilege and a responsibility. This email has reaffirmed my commitment to being the best mentor I can be—to continue learning, growing, and striving to make a positive difference in the lives of my junior colleagues. As leaders in medicine, let us all commit to being the kind of mentors who inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation to achieve greatness.”

Source: Olubukola Ayodele/LinkedIn

Dr. Olubukola Ayodele is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, specializing in breast and genitourinary malignancies, including germ cell tumors. She is also an honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Leicester and heads the Breast Cancer Clinical Trials Unit at the Leicester Cancer Research Centre. Dr. Ayodele’s work includes numerous publications, clinical trials, and collaborative research projects on molecular drivers and biomarkers in breast cancer. She is a member of ASCO, ESMO, ACP and UKBCG.